Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham’s Beauty Week Girls’ Night Out + Makeup Tips

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Last night at S5A Birmingham’s Beauty Week Girls’ Night Out, I was thrilled to be Tamarous Reynolds’s beauty model for the mini makeup sessions. It was so much fun getting dolled up by Tamarous, and it was also so much fun getting to learn more about different skincare, makeup brushes, and application techniques from the experts–Tasha Deyampert and Tamarous Reynolds.

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I am no makeup maven, nor do I claim to be.~~~*Flashback*~~~ For a large chunk of my childhood, I wore winged eyeliner, fake eyelashes, and bright red lipstick with my hair slicked back in the tightest ballet bun possible–not because I was constantly playing dress up in my mother’s closet–even though I did that a lot, but because I was a dancer.  Throughout junior high, my daily makeup routine consisted of concealer, one “nude” eye shadow, mascara, and maybe some lip balm. For some reason, I was afraid to not only wear makeup, but I was also afraid to experiment with it. I had this deep fear of being made fun of in junior high because…well, that’s a story for another day *wink*

Through VIP, I have met fabulous MUAs who have helped me “grow up” my makeup without growing it up too much or looking like a Kardashian wannabe–that’s never good. Only the Kardashians can be the Kardashians–I digress. Needless to say, I have had my fair share of makeup fails, and because I do not not want y’all to struggle as I have…I am going to share with y’all some of the tips and tricks I learned from S5A Birmingham’s Beauty Week Girls’ Night Out! Yay!

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  1. Eye shadow primer helps keep your eye shadow in place all day. It also smooths out the color of the lid so that the shadow color can really pop. Experiment with different primers to find the one that’s right for you. Don’t be afraid to ask for samples or to chat with a beauty expert about your needs.

  2. There are trends in cosmetics just like there are trends in clothes. You have to find a makeup trend that fits your personality and flatters your face. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have some fun with a new color or product.

  3. Always start with eyes first to prevent messes later.

  4. Good quality makeup brushes are the key to makeup success. Invest in the right brushes to do the job you need them to do. As my dad explained it, you would not use a hammer to do a screwdriver’s job…in fashionista words, do not use an eye shadow brush to apply foundation.

  5. Before committing to buying a foundation, ask for samples so that you can try different brands and formulas until you find the perfect one. Remember the beauty experts at Saks are there to help guide you through this important decision because no one wants to end up with the orange ring of death *wink*

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Stay tuned on Tuesdays in March for more tips and tricks that I learned from the beauty experts at Saks. Be sure to follow me on Instagram because in March I am going to have a very special series…of selfies…involving…I can’t tell you yet *wink* Hurry, click here to follow! :) 

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

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Beauty Tues: How to Achieve a Dramatic Eye with Guerlain

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Hello, fabulouses, and welcome to this week’s VIP Beauty Tues News!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and we all know what that means–happy couples will celebrate and we single ladies will be left with our two favorite men–Ben and Jerry *wink* Hm…what do you say we make this year different? Single ladies–grab your single gal pals and prepare for a fabulous Girls’ Night Out!

Hello, flirt alert! Try the Guerlain Ecrin 2 Couleurs 01 Two Rock palette  for a fantastic dramatic eye look that will make the guys stop and stare as you and your besties dance to Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” all night long *wink* All the single ladies (All the single ladies)! All the single ladies (All the single ladies)!

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Where can you get the sassy and sexy Guerlain Two Rock palette? Visit the Guerlain counter at Saks Fifth Avenue Birmingham or click here to shop online.

Come back next week to see how the VIP complete’s this fabulous look with some kickin’ eyeliner!

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PS: I have had several fan emails asking where I got the heart ring I have been wearing lately–Pandora! It is so cute and fabulous that I must wear it all of the time *wink*
If you are near The Summit in Birmingham, run by the Pandora store or click here to shop online!

Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Superb Seven: Girl’s Night Out with Ease

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Hellooooo, my fabulouses! Welcome to the weekend! It is time to leave work wear, deadlines, and projects behind and enjoy a little time with friends. No time to change before Girl’s Night Out? Toss on a leather jacket and layer on a few extra accessories and head off to the bar-and-grill to meet your gal pals to party like it’s 1999! Yeah, yeah! So tonight we gonna (party like it’s 1999) We gonna, oww! (Prince-1999)

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Jacket: American Eagle, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Shirt: American Eagle, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Skirt: Guess, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Shoes: Nine West, The Outlet Shops of Grand River

Leather Wrap Bracelet: Beadsoul by Lisa Hamilton

Bracelet: Ethereal Energy by Liz Stechschulte

(long) Necklace: BluKat Design by Heather O’Cain

(short) Necklace: Ethereal Energy by Liz Stechschulte

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

Girls Night Out: Operation Beach Ready Fashion Show with Author Liza Elliott

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As Liza Elliott, author of 30-A Supper Club, and I sat at The Summit Club overlooking downtown Birmingham, a storm was brewing outside.  It was an extraordinary sight, and the perfect place to chat with the spectacular writer.

“I am a socialiologist, and I teach the Refugee Health Care Course at UAB  [University of Alabama at Birmingham].  From my involvement in sociology, I gained a liking for stories.  I am fascinated by what people do–their history…their stories.  When I am writing, I feel free.  Sometimes, I feel like I am in a time machine—I can write about the past or the present…there are so many options with it,” says Liza Elliot.  “When I am writing, it is such a wonderful feeling.”

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My chat with Liza Elliott continued as the thunderstorm drew closer and the sunset gave life to the cloudy sky.  Upstairs, the excitement was building as the last details were being put in place for Girls Night Out:  Operation Beach Ready Fashion Show.

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What inspired you to organize the Girls Night Out: Operation Beach Ready event and fashion show?

“Two things inspired the creation of this event. One, I wanted to bring together small, local businesses. These men and women support and help build the community…and through this event, I hope for everyone to meet new people and make new connections. Another inspiration behind Girls Night Out is supporting Glenwood [Autism and Behavioral Health Center]. Glenwood is a unique place where children and adults with autism go for help. On a personal note, I have friends with autism and some of my friend’s children suffer with autism—partnering with Glenwood just seemed like a natural fit,” says local author, Liza Elliott.

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Being that there are other autism and behavioral organizations out there, what made Glenwood stand out?

“Glenwood has a history of excellence. I am a huge supporter of research—I believe it is essential, but it is also important to be hands on with patients, and Glenwood does just that. All of the professionals at Glenwood are making a difference in so many lives. One thing I really love about Glenwood is that it keeps the families together. Sometimes, treatment separate families, but Glenwood assists the families in staying connected—this is an amazing and special achievement for them,” says Elliott.

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Describe this event in five words.

“Celebration. Community. Entrepreneurs. Courage. Fun,” stated Elliot.

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Celebration was absolutely correct! As I made my way up the carpeted stairs of The Summit Club and entered Girls Night Out, I could see the community support and feel the excitement.  Local vendors lined the walls with their decorated booths and the room had the aroma of delicious appetizers from The Summit Club.

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There were fashion shows every hour on the hour featuring the hottest summer trends from local boutiques. Every time a model hit the stage, the crowd went wild! Clapping their hands and chatting amongst themselves about what their favorites were and why they liked this or that.

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Meeting famed writer Liza Elliot, enjoying a preview of sassy summer fashions from local stores, shopping jewelry from Stella & Dot, learning about what supplements a woman needs to take in order to obtain the perfect beach body, dancing with hoops, snacking on delicious food from The Summit Club, and much much more made up the Girls Night Out: Operation Beach Ready event.  As if the event were not magnificent enough, it was all for a great cause—Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Center.

To learn more about and purchase Liza Elliot’s latest novel, 30—A Supper Club, please visit www.redcamelpress.com

For more information about the Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, please call (205)212-6726 OR visit www.glenwood.org

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Kaniesha Sims and I at the Girls Night Out event! Kaniesha did a fabulous job of puling the entire event together! Bravo!
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The VIP with Jerry LaSuer, Senior Director at Stella & Dot. Oh, the VIP absolutely adores jewelry!
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Contact Jerry LaSuer with all of your Stella & Dot needs!
jlasuer@gmail.com
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Hoop for Fitness–it is so much fun! Join Robbie H. Lewis for a hula hooping dance party! Contact her at Robbie@HoopforFitnessBham.com OR visit www.HoopforFitnessBham.com  for more information.
Check out the VIP Facebook page for videos of hula hooping fun–see the VIP showing off her hula hooping skills in high heels! www.facebook.com/vintageinspiredpassionista
Wanting to shop in your PJs for fabulous clothes? Then shop online at The Magic Hamper! Miesha Williams, the owner, has a fabulous online boutique featuring the best women's clothing and accessories! Shop now @ www.TheMagicHamper.com
Wanting to shop in your PJs for fabulous clothes? Then shop online at The Magic Hamper! Miesha Williams (in the blue dress) has a fabulous online boutique featuring the best women’s clothing and accessories! Shop now @ www.TheMagicHamper.com
Looking for great Body Wraps? Contact Kristen Roberson so that you can begin to tighten, tone, and firm in just 45 minutes!  (205)260-2108 kristenmroberson@gmail.com
Looking to tighten, tone, and firm in just 45 minutes? Try Hollywood’s best kept secret–contact Kristen Roberson for more information about Body Wraps.
(205)260-2108
kristenmroberson@gmail.com
www.skinnyinbham.myitworks.com
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Let Advocare change your life! Contact Ann Hammock @ (205)908-4800 to see how Advocare can change your body.
www.ChangedBody.com
www.workwithchampions.com
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Arbonne cosmetics and supplements are all pure, safe, and beneficial to the body! Talk with consultant Jennifer Chappell today to find out more about Arbonne products. Arbonne is gluten free, soy free, dairy free with no artificial sweeteners, no artificial colors, no artificial flavors.
(917)674-8332
jlc5533@gmail.com

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Gloria Craig-Denson is a sertified counselor and life coach at Morning Glory Counseling Services. She is also the director of the Little Black Dress Club in Birmingham, Alabama!  Gloria Craig-Denson morningglorycccsvcs@gmail.com (205)282-9675
Gloria Craig-Denson is a certified counselor and life coach at Morning Glory Counseling Services. She is also the director of the Little Black Dress Club, which is a premier women’s social network specializing in adventure, sophistication, and friendship.
www.lbdclub.com
morningglorycccsvcs@gmail.com
(205)282-9675
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Don’t you just love this amazing dress from Didier Boutique! Go get this lovely dress today and shop for other tremendous fashions at Didier Boutique located at:
5335 Oporto Madrid Blvd. South
Birmingham, AL 35210
OR Call the owner, Tamra Curtis @ (866)452-3209

The swag bags were filled with goodies from Chick-Fil-A, Bud's Best Cookies, and a copy of Liza Elliott's new novel.
The swag bags were filled with goodies from Chick-Fil-A, Bud’s Best Cookies, and a copy of Liza Elliott’s new novel.

For more pictures from this event, please visit the VIP page on facebook: click here.

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn

What I Wore: Girls Night Out Event and Fashion Show

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Hello, my fabulouses! Last night, I had the honor to interview the spectacular author Liza Elliott at her Girls Night Out: Operation Beach Ready event and fashion show at The Summit Club in downtown Birmingham, Alabama. Every hour on the hour models walked the stage showcasing the hottest summer trends from local boutiques! There was a jewelry table full of Stella & Dot accessories–what fashionista doesn’t love LOTS of jewelry–fantastic food from The Summit Club, and lots of local vendors that I will tell you about next time!

Oh, it does not get much better than meeting an author of an incredible book that I have not been able to put down (30-A Supper Club by Liza Elliott), supporting local businesses, and enjoying fabulous fashions all for a good cause–Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center.

I do not want to spoil all of the fabulous coverage with this blog post…so, here is what the VIP sported to the Girls Night Out event and fashion show! Come back  for full coverage on all the happenings at the Girls Night Out: Operation Beach Ready event…I cannot wait to share all of it with y’all!  It is FABULOUS!

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Dress: three07

Shoes: Steve Madden, Belk

Earrings: Beadsoul by Lisa Hamilton

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Check out more of my writings and photo shoot styling here:

Real Media: The Adventures of the VIP–Behind the Lenses: The History of Sunglasses–http://thisisrealmedia.com/2013/06/12/the-adventures-of-the-vip-behind-the-lenses-the-history-of-sunglasses/

Town and Gown Magazine June Issue: http://www.townandgownmagazine.com/#!current-issue/c113z

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Stay Fabulous,

Abby Hathorn